Last year reports emerged that Tehran, the capital city of Iran, was running out of water. One expert predicted that “zero day” was not far off. As the Islamic regime now enters its final days, it seems that prediction was also a harbinger of what comes for the Ayatollah and those who prop up his brutal rule.

And it is a day which cannot come soon enough. It is now becoming apparent that after the regime put the country into a communications black-out three weeks ago, it engaged in a brutal massacre of its own citizens. Security forces opened fire on huge crowds rallying in cities across the country calling for an end to the Islamic theocracy. Numbers killed are being reported at over 30,000. It was a bloodbath.

Relatives are now being forced to pay “bullet money” for the return of bodies – or sign fake declarations that their family members were actually security force volunteers killed by protestors. Hospitals are overflowing with injured, including many having being shot in the eye – a regime specialty, developed during the “Women, Life, Freedom,” uprising three years ago. And of course, thousands are in prison, many awaiting public hanging for daring to challenge the repressive rule of the Ayatollah.

In spite of all this the pro-Palestine mobs across the world including New Zealand are missing in action. No mass marches, no banners on motorway over-bridges, no calling for Iranian officials to be named and shamed, or boycotts and divestment from Iran.

And the New Zealand Government itself has been just as muted in its response. There has been no breaking off of diplomatic relations. The Iranian ambassador has not even been summonsed for a “please explain”, let alone expelled. There has been no call for the UN Security Council to urgently convene, investigate and sanction Iran. Nothing. At a critical moment in the history of the Middle East, and indeed the world, our Government has lost its voice.

In contrast, other western governments have spoken out loudly and clearly. In Europe there has been strong condemnation of the Iranian rulers and calls for sanctions and designating the IRGC a terrorist organisation. The US has openly said the time has come for new leadership in Iran, and is positioning significant military assets in the region.

And the Iranian diaspora across the world, including in New Zealand have not been silent. Over a thousand rallied in Auckland last week. Their energy was palpable as they chanted and sang in support of the uprising for freedom in their land. It was an honour to join them, and those we spoke to were grateful for our presence.

Disappointingly, not many other New Zealanders were there. Perhaps because, unlike Gaza, our mainstream media has not given wall to wall coverage of what is happening in Iran. It does not fit their approved Middle East victim-oppressor narrative. Israel targeting homicidal Hamas psychopaths and seeking the return of their hostage citizens is a “genocide” which needs to be on constant replay. Iranian civilians being intentionally slaughtered by their own Islamic rulers – not so much.

There is no excuse for our Government’s silence, and media disinterest. But for 90 million Iranians, hope rises regardless. Because for the regime in Tehran, zero day draws near. It cannot be avoided. For it is written – He brings princes to naught.

Ewen McQueen
January 2026